RDC announces new four-year applied degree in School of Creative Arts

Red Deer, May 9, 2018 – Red Deer College leaders, faculty, staff and guests joined Minister of Advanced Education, Marlin Schmidt, for an important announcement today, as the College has been given approval to launch a new four-year degree, Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects, starting in September 2018.

“We want to ensure that Albertans all across the province have access to a high-quality education that helps them get careers in dynamic, engaging fields,” says Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education. “By focusing its first applied degree program in the emerging field of animation and visual effects, Red Deer College has shown that it’s ready to provide students with exciting, creative jobs in a diverse economy.”

RDC President & CEO Joel Ward shared the impact that this announcement will have on the College and its learners.

“This is a historic day for our College, as this is the first four-year degree that we fully offer at RDC, and it’s a tremendous step in our journey to becoming a university,” he says. “Students will stay at RDC to complete all four years of this degree, which fills a gap in current programming across the province and provides them with innovative and applied learning that will allow them to excel in their future careers.”

The new degree was developed over several years, with input and collaboration from professionals across the nation.

“Throughout the planning stages, it was very important for us learn what other post-secondary institutions were offering and to develop a program that would achieve the right mix of creativity and technology, as well as theory and applied learning to ensure students receive a well- rounded education,” says Jason Frizzell, Dean of RDC’s School of Creative Arts. “This degree achieves everything we were hoping for, and it is a wonderful complement to the future of our School.”

As part of the future planning for the School of Creative Arts, RDC has also submitted a proposal to offer a four-year degree in Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film, Theatre and Live Entertainment. RDC representatives are currently working with the Government of Alberta and Campus Alberta Quality Council through the approval process, and the College looks forward to sharing updates, as they are able.

While this is taking place, Frizzell and the RDC team are establishing a solid foundation for the School of Creative Arts to transform and grow. “In support of our new direction and in anticipation of future growth, we’ve expanded the number of Visual Arts courses offered,” he says. “In addition, two new Visual Arts courses have been developed, focusing on Contemporary 2D Strategies and Technologies, and these courses will be offered starting in 2019.”

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Our sweetest success yet: Smile Cookie Campaign breaks record

Published on June 11, 2025

Red Deer Public Schools

Just when we thought our smiles couldn’t get any bigger – they did! And we have the Red Deer community to thank for their overwhelming support.

We are so excited to share the total from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign this past spring…and it’s very impressive. In fact, it’s an all-time record, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Over the long-week campaign held April 28-May 4, Red Deerians indulged in a lot of cookies – $80,773 worth! These funds will go directly to helping struggling readers become readers of potential through Reading College, a project of The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools.

Reading College, held each July, provides students with identified reading gaps an incredible summer experience that builds their skills, confidence, and love for reading. Students leave the program with stronger reading and writing abilities, and a solid foundation for success in school and life. Now in its 14th year, 1,000 students have graduated from Reading College.

“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our community and the partnership with Tim Hortons,” said Kristine Plastow, Board Chair for The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. “These dollars directly impact kids who need extra support to become confident readers. The difference this program makes is life-changing.”

Tanya Doucette, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner in Red Deer, said it’s incredible to see what can happen when a community comes together. The simple act of purchasing a cookie by so many amazing guests, makes a huge difference for young students right here in Red Deer.

“This record-breaking year shows how much our guests care. We are so pleased to support Reading College and help give students the tools they need to thrive,” she said.

Red Deer

Red Deer Student honoured with Chief Youth Courage Award

Published on June 10, 2025

Red Deer Public Schools

When you meet Brayden Chenier, a Grade 8 student at GH Dawe School, it’s clear why he’s been chosen to represent youth across Alberta. Brayden is the proud recipient of the Integrated School Support Program Provincial (ISSP) Chief Youth Courage Award, presented by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, in recognition of his resilience, leadership and commitment to his community.

The award celebrates students who demonstrate courage and dedication to becoming a responsible and caring citizen, especially within a diverse school and community, and was presented earlier this spring at the Calgary Police Awards Gala. As part of the honour, Brayden will now serve as a youth ambassador, helping to raise awareness about child and youth crime prevention, education, and intervention programs across the province.

“It’s pretty surreal that I will be all over the province for a year,” said Brayden. “I am looking forward to helping out in the community.”

Brayden has been part of the ISSP program through GH Dawe School since 2023 and has benefited greatly from the support offered.

With the support of the mental health professional, Brayden has been able to successfully navigate a variety of challenges in his life including coming to terms with his disability and navigating a tragic loss in his life.

Born with clubfoot, Brayden has never let his physical disability stand in his way. He is an avid athlete in a number of sports including hockey, basketball, golf, track, volleyball and soccer. His goal is working towards becoming an athlete in the Paralympics.

Brayden was nominated by GH Dawe School Counsellor Amy Johansson, who described him as a compassionate, kind, hardworking, and honest person who is driven and motivated to be his very best at all that he attempts.

She added that within the GH Dawe School community, Brayden is a highly respected citizen by all students and staff. “He is highly committed to sports connected to our school, as well as sports outside of our school community. Brayden works diligently at his academics. And is so very helpful and caring, always. Brayden works to overcome a list of things that he will not allow to hold him back.”

GH Dawe School is part of Alberta’s Integrated School Support Program – a child wellness initiative aimed at improving academic performance and the overall well-being of students. The program supports schools like GH Dawe with services to meet the diverse needs of students and families.

As he takes on his role as a provincial ambassador, Brayden continues to be a role model for his peers and a reminder of the power of perseverance and community support.